School Time

Only this week do I feel like we are finally in a good routine. Our 2 weeks at the beach and occasional camps kept us from having any sense of routine. We've played a lot of games. First, it was Yahtzee, then Spite and Malice and now, Spoons. We've been to the pool A LOT. Way more than I expected. ALL 4 love going. I am SO glad. Most days we go in the morning and stay through home-brought lunch. But Avery doesn't nap that long so sometimes we go in the afternoons instead.
Owen has been "working out" with me at the gym while the others stay in child watch. Crazy!

 

I've been having the older 2 do some schoolwork via workbooks. In the beginning of the summer they did it completely on their own because it bought me a little extra "alone" time. This week, I have made a point to sit with them. (I've given up on the idea of alone time- I am dog tired by the end of the day, but it's only till Labor day ;). Mason really needs me there. Plus, I've added "math bingo" to the routine. They actually look forward to it. Owen does the multiplication/division side and Mason the addition/subtraction.
It's quite scary how much their brains and hands have forgotten.

Lessons of Praise

Psalm 63: 3-4

Because your steadfast love is better than life,

    my lips will praise you.

So I will bless you as long as I live;

    in your name I will lift up my hands.

 

A LONG time ago, after my freshman year of college (when I first began learning how to walk closely with God) I decided to practice the "art" of thankfulness. Each day, I wrote down in a journal a few things for which I was thankful. It was not easy. I felt ashamed. Life was good and my list was not very deep and did not come quickly. The LORD was gracious to open my eyes. By the end of the summer my daily lists were long. I was no longer thankful for "stuff" but for things he was showing me about Himself.
I will never forget the lesson he taught me that summer: being thankful does not come naturally to our sinful hearts, it takes work and it's so worth it. Perhaps that is why the Bible is always reminding us to "give thanks."
Something else that does not come naturally is "praising God." I don't mean the singing kind, although that is awesome too!

This summer, I decided I'd like to "teach" my kids to praise God (if that can even be done). I want no credit for this idea. It was all HIM. I have not been daily reading my Bible and my whole family has been affected. God has been more than gracious to lead me in this endeavor. I have NOT given much time, if any, to the verse I pick each morning. Perhaps because the whole Bible is one big praise ;) so it's pretty easy.
Each morning after I clean up from breakfast, we sit/stand together. It's not pretty, there is complaining and plenty of distractions. Avery is usually creating havoc. Ryan colors and listens to our conversation. I keep thinking if we do this enough times it will get easier so I press on. This is geared towards the 2 older two, who can write. (I could do it during nap time, but Ryan does listen and often answers my questions even better than the older 2).

We are reading from the Psalms. I usually only read a few verses. I choose 1 of those verses for them to record in their journals (we started at the beginning of the summer). I ask them a few questions and then we end by summarize the specific thing we are praising God for that morning. I had hoped they'd be eager to draw or record other praises but this hasn't happened.

My kids have learned more about God Himself and I have been reminded that He can do a lot with a little. I don't need to be afraid to offer up something little, He can always do big things! I can't speak for their hearts, but He has encouraged mine immensely. I would love if songs of praise came quickly from our lips, but our hearts are where it will come from first. "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45 I have to trust Him to be at work in their hearts (my heart). Easier said than done!

Saturday Morning Treat

We met Lissa and Tripp at the Farmer's Market. The donuts were our main attraction, but we also walked away with some yummy peaches and country sausage. What a combo :)

Fun with Friends

Last week, I threw a small dessert party for my friend Michelle. It's been years since I've celebrated her birthday with her in person and now that she is nearby :-) I jumped at the chance. I loved catching up with 5 LOVELY ladies, a rare treat for me these days!

 

I made this delicious ice cream cake. YUM!

 

The next day, the Cassadas came for a quick visit!! Courtney, Michelle and I spent hours catching up after the kids went to bed. Courtney pointed out that we've known each other for half our lifetime. Wow! I love sharing life with these girls, did my heart GOOD!

 

The next morning we took all the kids (12) to the park and tried to talk some more ;)

 Bailey was awesome with Avery and gave me a much needed break from the constant hand holding!

There was some definite sadness when we had to say goodbye. And once again it was stated that the Cassada family needs to move here ;) Thank goodness for our annual OBX trip coming up soon!

1 Year Together

**just made public. sorry, it wasn't working.

We celebrated gotcha day not with a party or presents, but by looking back at our journey. If you are an adoptive parent or know one (first-hand) this not easy on the heart. I stand in awe of how God has graciously and tenderly carried us through this year. The fact that EJ and I can edit this movie together with smiles and thankful hearts is an amazing testimony of God's mercy towards us. Not all families can say this of the first year (or years) and I do not take this for granted.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and love for our family. We are blessed.

Gotcha Day, 1 Year Ago

"They say" you"ll forget the pains of labor and delivery. I am not sure who "they" are, but I did not find this to be the case. I vividly remember my boys' births. I suppose those "pains" eventually can't hold a candle to the love that develops and that is why the memories of pain "fade". This has been true with Avery, too. As the year has gone by my stomach feels a little less "sick" thinking about our time in China. 

Today, marks the day that Avery has been with us for 1 full year. I can't bring myself to say "Happy Gotcha Day" because "happy" isn't the first word that comes to mind. The memories are getting sweeter, but this day holds far to many emotions to sum up with happy. 

Never before have I been so terrified and excited, ready yet nervous, happy and sad. 

Sure looks good on her. 

Fishermen

On the first morning, when mom and I were returning with the kids from our EARLY morning walk, we bumped into our neighbor (from home). They were staying 2 doors down from us! We had no idea they'd be there. Crazy!

They had an extra ticket for a fishing boat and offered it to Owen (their son is Owen's age). Mason actually wanted to go instead, so EJ bought a ticket and joined them. Almost 5 hrs later, they returned each having caught 1 fish. Thankfully that was enough excitement for Mason ;)

My neighbor just emailed me these pics and I am so glad for a glimpse of their time together.

Beach Trip # 2

We were at the beach again, this time with my family. After 6 days home from NJ, we packed up and headed to OBX. My parents generously and graciously rented a house for the 10 of us (Alex wasn't able to come). The kids were so excited they were awake the first morning before 6. Yikes! Thankfully that trend didn't continue.

 Our EARLY morning walk on Day 1

We had fun with (3rd) cousins!

Aunt Lissa and Tripp were there. He was sick most of the week. Big Bummer!!

She is starting to sit for longer periods of time to play :)

I took 200 photos!

Root Beer Floats for dessert

The older two rotated sleeping on the bottom pyramid with Ryan, isn't he lucky?

On Wed. it rained on an off all day. It helped us appreciate the other great days ;)

Spoiled by Grandma with his own Chi Tea

Belated Birthday ice cream treat for my dad

Lots of time at the beach.

I very much enjoy teaching Avery new things (jumping waves, burying feet, sand castles, etc). Especially when it brings on her belly laugh!

 

I mean... I can't get enough of his cuteness...

I am thankful for time with our extended family. Not everyone sees 2nd and 3rd cousins 1x a year!

I am grateful my parents bear with the noise level of my family, especially our screamer. Thankful for such great weather and lots of time outdoors. Thankful my 4 were healthy, sick kids on vacation is NO fun. Thankful that EJ could be there all week. Very thankful we have 1 more trip to look forward too ;)

Remembering and Giving Thanks

This time last year, we were packing our bags for China.

I couldn't wait to get my arms around our Sugar Plum.

She has bonded with me so beautifully, it's unbelievable. Hopefully someday soon we can say the same about her and daddy. She is definitely a momma's girl. I think my pointer finger is growing longer for how often she has her little hand gripping it.

 

Considering that a year ago she wasn't even crawling (at 23 months), she sure gets around now. She rarely wants to ride anywhere. Her endurance never ceases to amaze me.

God has been very faithful to our family this past year and his mercies for our daughter have taught me so much about His love for ME.

Georgia on OUR Minds

On Sunday, we had the privilege and heartache of having the Nesbit family over for dinner one last time. They moved this week to Georgia, which is WAY TOO FAR away. We are ALL sad. Our families are perfect for each other. Although their teenage daughter (not pictured b/c she was sick) may not totally agree ;) Lots of boys for her!

I am going to miss this sweet friend. I vividly remember the first time we met, 5 yrs ago after they moved to town (we are practically neighbors) and a mutual friend connected us . At the time, Erin was newly pregnant with their 4th. Little did I know, but I was also pregnant with Ryan. She was such an encouragement and prayer warrior when my chronic pain was at its worst. We were in a small group together for years! She loves God and her family and is helping her husband follow his dream.

There was lots of football and soccer and kickball games played between our families. So very sad to see them go.

Born 6 weeks apart, Ryan and Colin are best buds. Ryan started crying the day we told the boys they were moving. Their other boys' ages are sandwiched between Owen and Mason.

 

some older pics from Erin's collection

We sure are going to miss you guys!